The Love Game

CH. 14 Sabotage and Strategy

Chapter 14 Sabotage and Strategy

Rachel P.O.V.

Its been six months since Zander and I started dating and things could not get any better. Zander and I were seeing each other in different aspects of our lives. We would have coffee breaks, and lunch together in our business mode. A couple of Casual dinners alone together weekday nights. And then have our family time. Zander and Garrison came over every Friday for movie night and then see them on Sundays for the boys Baseball game. It was a wonderful routine. We still go to see my best friends Saturday nights. It appears that Zander has been initiated into our group and has an open invite to whatever we do. I was Happy! I know I will never forget Jonny, and I still miss him. But I keep a smile on my face knowing that he would want me to be happy, and if its with Zander and his son than I am truly blessed at this second chance.

On a sadder note, I have not talked to Nate since that Business Summit. Zander did tell me that he took some vacation time only to come back to work like usual. I was relieved that he moved on. I did not want him to wait for me. I felt bad enough loosing him as my friend. I am going to simply wish him all the happiness in the world.

I’m currently in my office reviewing contracts on our new mergers. Conner and I have been strategically trading in stock under the holding company. We also branched out and merged with many high-end companies. Some include resorts, tourist excursions, golf courses, and my favorite security. My brother had a really good friend named Seth that served with him as a navy seal. He started his own security company that specializes in both gadgets and bodyguards. Their advance camera and motion sensors are state of the art. Their bodyguards were basically hired mercenaries. All having served in the military as a Navy Seal, Army Ranger, or Marine. They were the elite. I did not have to negotiate with him on the merger, he trusted me and always appreciated how I would send care packages to their entire unit when my brother was with them. I was touched that he respected me so much. He even agreed to send his best men to look after my kids without pay.

“Mrs. Hamilton, Conner would like to have a word.” Beatrice said over the intercom.

“OK send him in.” I straighten the paperwork on my desk when Conner comes over with some files in hand. He sets them on the coffee table before taking a seat on the sectional resting one leg over the other.

“So I guess Black Enterprises might have a problem soon.” Conner says concerned laced in his voice. He leans his head back looks up at the ceiling and sigh.

“What?” I asked confused. I go sit across from him as I take the files and glance over the paperwork. Ok If I am reading this correctly, someone in the company is sabotaging the government contract bids. This branch of Zanders company was the backbone to their success. If he loses it, he could get replaced by the next majority shareholder.

“Ok Conner I have an idea; we are going to have to call Tony and Seth.” I said to him as I begin to draw out my plan as a back up to saving Zander’s legacy to his son. I know it is not my responsibility, but I fight for justice. Zander built his company from the ground up all for his son.

It took Conner and I Six hours a Chinese food lunch in my office and several encrypted correspondences to bring my plan to motion. As we were cleaning up to get ready to leave, I get a text from Zander.

Zan: Hey sweetie you want to grab a quick bit?

Rach: Sure! But your driving!

Zan: Sounds good! See you in ten out front?

Rach: Ok…. Xoxo

“Looks like I am going out on a date tonight!” I smirk as Conner just shakes his head.

“Ok but behave you two.” He points his finger at me.

“Always!” I gasp innocently.

I wish Beatrice goodnight and make my way down the elevator to the ground floor. I walk out and directly in front of me I see Zander leaning against his Red Ferrari dressed in his charcoal suit wearing sunglass. I feel like I was looking at the cover of a GQ magazine. I licked my lips as I stare at him.

“Looks like someone is happy to see me.” Zander says smirking.

“Sorry I can’t help how pleased I am to see you next to that sexy machine.” I say seductively.

“Baby stop being so dam sexy. I’m so addicted to you, I just can’t get enough of you.” He says bringing me in for a smoldering kiss. We break away hearing my stomach growl.

“Ok we should probably go eat something before I pass out.” I said with a small chuckle.

“Definitely, let’s go.” We both get into his car and drive off.

Nathan P.O.V.

I dove into my work after coming back from vacation. It really was not a normal vacation. I spent my time meeting and hiring people to help me execute my plan. I had eyes on my targets, and lawyers on standby with drafts of contracts. I just had to be patient and wait for my moment to arrive. I need to just focus on my work. I used work as a distraction from thinking about Rachel and Zander. I kept hearing coworkers whispering bout how they make a cute couple, how luck he is to be with the town’s golden girl. It infuriates me knowing that the whole town approves of them. That should have been me they were praising. I continue to work hard preventing my mind from drifting off. I kept telling myself that I just need to be patient and all his world will soon be mine.

I am back at my condo, after a long day at the office. I sit on my couch flipping through the channels. I cannot find anything interesting to watch. I just keep thinking about Rachel. I miss her, I miss our coffee breaks, I miss her hugs, I miss her scent. Its been too long since I last saw her beautiful face. I really should apologize to her, rekindle our friendship. I know that WHEN Zander finally breaks up with her, she would need a shoulder to cry on. That is when I will sweep in and be there for her and never let her go. I decide to finally call her. I pull out my cell and dial her number.

“Nathan?” She answered. Hearing that angelic voice again made my heart flutter.

“Rach… I’m sorry.” I begin to say with no reply on her end. “I know that I acted very rudely that night and I can not excuse myself for waiting this long to apologize. I miss you and our friendship. If that is all I mean to you than I will take what I can get. I know Zander is treating you well. He is a good guy. I promise not to meddle, but I miss our coffee breaks. Can we get some coffee again? Like old times?” I was poring myself to her hoping that she would accept me back into her life.

“I don’t know Nate… Its been months and no word from you. It was hard for me to lose our friendship. I don’t know if I can move past this knowing that you have these deep feelings for me that I can not reciprocate.” Her words were stabbing me in the heart. How could I get her back now?

“Rach, I promise not to try anything. I may need a little more time to move on and find someone, but last thing I want is to lose you as a friend. Please… What can I do to make it up to you?” I was desperate for her company. “How about I buy you coffee for a year?” I say enthusiastically.

“Ok, one coffee break, and will shall see about the next year. But try anything Nate and that’s it I am going to block you from my life.” She said hesitantly conceding.

“That is all I ask. Thank you, Rach. Does next Wednesday same time and same spot ok?” I was thrilled to hear that I am given another chance.    

“Yes, see you then. I’ve got to go now. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Rach.” I hang up with a huge grin on my face. I am back in the game. As soon as I set my cell on the coffee table its starts ringing again. I answer.

“Mr. Cavanhall I have an update on Zander that you will want to know.” The voice said on the other line.

“What is it?!”

“Zander has purchased an engagement ring after work today.”

“What! Are you 100% positive it was a ring?” I was starting to boil.

“Yes sir.”

“Do you know when he will propose?”

“So far we have no other information on the matter. As soon as we get more detail you will know immediately.”

“Ok.” Then I hang up. I need to enact my plan soon before it is too late. I know that Rachel takes the sanctity of marriage to heart and divorce is never an option for her. I need to break them up now. I make another call to another one of my people.

“Hello, Mr. Cavanhall?”

“Start your operation. Make sure they speed up the demonstration date, also I want photos and leverage on Zander. I want all contracts drawn up and ready for signatures. We are moving ahead with our plan.”

Zander P.O.V.

I am in my office reading over a few of the reports from our government projects. I was pleased to see that testing is running smoothly and a formal demonstration date has been set. Stock prices are soaring, and the new resorts are being constructed. I was pleased at how business was booming. It is finally time for me to head home, but before I go, I do a little shopping first. Rachel and I have been going strong. We enjoy every aspect of our lives. The kids adore spending time with each other that we have been all sleeping over at each other’s houses often. I did not know it was possible to fall more in love with Rachel every day. The few times we got to go to sleep and wake up in each other’s arms were pure bliss for me. I was so happy with how life was going that I did not want it to end. That is why I decided to propose to her. I love her with every fiber of my being. Not to mention Garrison wants to officially be siblings with her kids, he has been insistent on me proposing to Rach for a while now. I asked Cat to help me plan this proposal, I just wanted to make everything perfect and special for her. She deserves the absolute best and I plan on giving her just that. Cat and I finalize all the details and include the kids into my plan. I just hope that I can keep this a surprise, I am nervous already and we still have a few more days until I pop the questions. As I park my car my phone rings. I check the caller ID and smile from ear to ear.

“Hey darling, how are you doing?” I ask

“Tired, it was a busy day today. I had to cover Cat at the flower shop. How about you?”

“Good, all my meetings went smoothly, and all my current projects are on schedule. I sorry you had a rough day though.” I wish I could be with her and give her tired body a message.

“It wasn’t really rough; it was more like my body didn’t realize it was working hard until I got home and sat on the couch.” She said giggling. I loved hearing her adorable giggle.

“Well I wish I was there to help you relax.”

“Me too, maybe next time. I just wanted to hear your voice before I get to busy with the kids and fall asleep. I love you.” She said. I loved how thoughtful she was. Could I be in more love with her right now.

“Ok darling, go and do what you need to do. Sweet dreams. I love you too.”

“Goodnight” she says stifling a yawn.

“Goodnight love.” I hang up and then make my way to the jewelry store. I hope I can find her the perfect ring.